[CINC] Condor Jan 22

[A H]

Oh my, is it good to be back, and what a day to do it!

13 Gray whales
4 Risso's dolphins
Several Bottlenose Dolphins
A few Dall's Porpoises
An estimated 1,000 member megapod of Common Dolphins

Capt.s Matt and Dave, crew Matt and Kelly, Bob Perry
Naturalists Catherine French, myself, and PID Dino Dalbon

We set out with about 25 passengers, and settled in for a very rocky
ride. We managed to sneak in the trip between two storm systems,
and the swells of ~10 feet caused a few queasy tummies on the way
out. We persevered, though, and were rewarded firstly with a small
group of Dall's Porpoises. They surfaced and submerged so quickly
that it was a guessing game to see where they'd pop up next.
Continuing on, we had several sightings of multiple grays near the
western end of SCI, to the delight of all on board, as well as a group
of slowly moving Risso's Dolphins.

Heading back across the channel was just as exciting. While
investigating a congregation of seabirds, we were surrounded by
~1,000 Common Dolphins. The younger passengers (as well as the
older ones) were enthralled by their bow riding. The small group of
Bottlenose Dolphins rounded out the trip wonderfully, but I was in for
one more treat. Walking up the gangplank, a departing passenger pointed
out a beautiful Black Crowned Night Heron, hunched at the water's edge!

Thank you, Catherine, for coming out and recertifying me, and thanks to
the entire crew for an amazing trip!
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